Today, my narrative will be somewhat a stream of consciousness, multitudinous thoughts and feelings that are passing through my brain. First let me update you on the multiblock progress from day three of the six day competition. The gigantic blocks of ice are beginning to take shape. I can now see recognizable shapes such as birds, fish, trees and various body parts. As we get closer to the finish, all these various pieces will be joined in one cohesive structure that will reflect its name. Each day the excitement grows. The competition will end at 9:00 PM on the 20th of February. The teams have one hour to clean up their sites and are not allowed to touch any of their ice tools. The judging will then commence. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on February 21st at 8:00 PM.
Today I had the pleasure of meeting Leigh Anne Hutchison, wife of Edwin Hutchison, a member of one of the multi block teams. They are owners of Ice Age Ice Sculptures in Greenville, South Carolina where they carve ice sculptures for parties and other events. She told me her husband first learned to carve ice while in culinary school over twenty years ago. His first time competing in Fairbanks at the World Ice Art Championships was in 2013. She said he loves to compete here in Fairbanks because he loves the heavy tools, the construction of the structure, the endurance it takes and best of all the art. Their entry this year is called “Faith and Fury” and will depict the Archangel Michael fighting the dragon, or Satan, for our souls. Leigh Anne added that the team itself dictates the design and the design plays to their strengths. Edwin is the Captain of the team. Other team members include Danny, a chef at Notre Dame University, Andrew from Texas who owns an ice carving business and Jeff from Ohio who carves all over the United States. I wish this team all the best in the competition.
The Ice Art Championships rely one hundred per cent on volunteers. Most of these volunteers live here in Alaska. But many come from other parts of the country. I asked one lady, originally from Pennsylvania, why she came to Fairbanks every year. She said “Sense of Place”, which means places that evoke a strong and deeply felt emotion in individuals. I had not heard this term before but I know this place is my “Happy Place” and I look forward to traveling from South Carolina to Fairbanks every year to volunteer for Ice Alaska.
